Must-Visit Holiday Destinations in 2013

We’ve done Australia and the Americas to death, and while they have an allure that will make travellers want to go back for seconds, 2013 is all about the new and the unexplored. These off-beat destinations that might have you looking up a map are in our opinion the great seven havens set to make a splash in the new year

Chile

Chile is called the land of fire and ice, and for good reason. This spindly country, which stretches across 4,350 km of coastline, holds the scorching Atacama Desert in the North and extends southward to ice caps and glacial fields. Chile is a storehouse of natural beauty, harbouring almost any geographic attraction you can think of. Volcanoes, check. Geysers, check. Deserts, islands, rainforests—triple check.

Croatia

Towards the latter half of 2012, Croatia suddenly appeared on the radar of many Indian travellers. There’s no way to be sure, but it’s not a far cry to assume that the filming of the TV series Game of Thrones had something to do with the spike in traffic. With ideal Mediterranean ‘holiday’ weather and endless ocean views, Croatia is a hotspot for 2013.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

All roads lead to Rio in 2013. While many sports enthusiasts have started a kitty to make it there for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, others have decided to hit the spot before the hoards get in. Explore the city as it spruces itself up for the big games (including the Olympics in 2016), spend countless hours on the sun-kissed beaches and catch the carnival!

Japan

There’s just something about Japan. Bouncing back after the Tsunami tragedy in 2011, Japan is metropolitan, cultural and fan-freaking-tastic! Manga, rock music, bullet trains, high-tech gizmos—the capital city of Tokyo is constantly pushing the envelope and yet co-exists seamlessly with an ancient revered culture, inspiring natural beauty and traditional arts.

Georgia

No, we aren’t talking about the U.S. city of Georgia, although that may be a lot more familiar; in 2013 we’re making a beeline for the country Georgia. For long the country has been overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, but all indications show that it will finally come into its own in the new year. Known for its picturesque towns, arresting mountains and friendly folk, this is one place that definitely deserves a spot on your to-do list. Interestingly Georgia boasts of being the place where humans first discovered the art of wine making, so make time for a trip to the wineries.

Iceland

This one is a little ‘far out’, literally, but the host of sights that Iceland offers are breathtaking. Any mention of the country draws allusions to ice caps and frigid winters. We forget that the island nation also holds an endless desert, smouldering volcanoes, hot springs and at certain times, even displays the magical Aurora Borealis (northern lights) in the skies.

Vietnam

A food lover’s paradise, Vietnam serves up a platter of great food. From the mouth-watering to the seemingly strange; every meal will be one to write home about. Intricate architecture, brilliant landscapes and cluttered villages with a charm of their own, will draw you to Vietnam over and over again.